CHAPTER 13
Naruto stood in the clearing, his breathing steady but his muscles tensed. Before him, the final opponent of the day stepped forward—the ANBU with a dragon-shaped mask.
The mask had an unusual design, with a hole at the mouth, and the way Ryu carried himself was different from the others. His presence was suffused with raw power and confidence. Ryu tilted his head slightly, his voice calm but laced with intensity.
"Let's not waste time. Karyū no Hōkō."
Without warning, Ryu gathered an enormous amount of chakra. Flames erupted from the hole in his mask, roaring toward Naruto in a ferocious torrent. These weren't ordinary flames; they shimmered unnaturally, radiating a heat that felt like it could melt steel.
Naruto's eyes widened slightly. This fire was different.
Slamming his hands into the ground, Naruto called out, "Doton: Kyojin Kogake no Jutsu!"
The earth beneath him rumbled, and a massive fist made of solid rock burst forth, rising to meet the incoming fire. The flames collided with the earthen fist, creating an explosion of heat and debris.
Before the dust could settle, Naruto was already moving.
"Doton: Hokori Koeda no Jutsu!" he shouted, molding earth-natured chakra into his lungs.
He expelled a dense, dust-like spray toward Ryu, momentarily blinding him.
Naruto darted forward, appearing in front of the masked ANBU. He launched a powerful punch toward Ryu's torso, aiming to knock him off balance. But to his surprise, Ryu caught the punch with one hand.
"You might have blinded me. But I can still hear you. And I can smell you."
With that, Ryu's fist ignited, flames swirling around it.
"Katon: Karyū no Tekken!"
He drove the flaming punch straight at Naruto's midsection.
Naruto gritted his teeth and quickly coated the point of impact with Busoshoku Haki, bracing for the blow. The strike landed, sending a wave of heat through him, but he held firm. Using the momentum, Naruto twisted his body and delivered a spinning kick to Ryu's stomach, the force of it sending the ANBU flying backward.
Ryu landed on his feet, sliding to a stop. For a moment, he stood still, then straightened. The flames around him flickered to life once more.
Naruto smirked and motioned with his hand, beckoning Ryu to come at him with everything he had.
"Red Carpet."
The air around Ryu shimmered as fire began to gather, coiling around his feet like a living entity. The flames lifted him into the sky, where he hovered for a moment before unleashing his next attack.
"Hell Prominence!"
From his palm, Ryu fired a massive beam of fire, the intensity of which made the air around it ripple. The beam streaked toward Naruto, threatening to engulf him completely.
"Honō Sōsei Mahō: Igunisu Korumuna!"
Naruto summoned a spiraling pillar of fire around himself, the flames dancing wildly. The two fiery forces collided, mixing and creating a chaotic vortex of heat.
Naruto didn't let up.
"Katon: Habaku no Gōtatsu!"
He gathered an immense amount of chakra in his stomach, converting it into fire. Opening his mouth, he expelled the flames, shaping them with chakra into the form of a massive dragon's head. The fiery dragon roared as it charged toward Ryu, its maw snapping open to bite down on him.
The explosion that followed was deafening, flames bursting outward in every direction. Naruto shielded his eyes from the heat. But as the fire dissipated, he saw something that left him momentarily stunned.
Ryu stood unharmed, the flames swirling around him before being absorbed into his body.
"Those flames tasted good. Now I'm all fired up. Katon: Karyū no Kōen!"
Fire erupted from Ryu's hands, merging into a massive, singular flame. He thrust his hands forward, sending the fiery attack hurtling toward Naruto.
Naruto inhaled deeply, his chest expanding as he prepared his counter.
"Wind Magic: Roar of the Wind!" he shouted, releasing a powerful tornado of black wind.
The gust met Ryu's flames head-on, the opposing forces clashing violently before canceling each other out.
Not wasting a moment, Naruto gripped Senbonzakura tightly.
"Doton: Tsuchi-kiri Kama!"
Earth chakra surged through the blade, encasing it in stone. As Naruto slashed downward, sharp splinters of earth resembling sickles flew from the blade, streaking toward Ryu with lethal precision.
"Katon: Honō no Tate!"
Ryu responded, conjuring a shield of fire on his arm. The flaming barrier blocked the incoming earthen sickles, reducing them to harmless rubble.
Naruto wasn't done. He raised his hands, forming a glowing blue magic circle in the air. "Ice-Make: Eagle!"
From the circle, a flock of icy eagles shot forth, their forms gleaming in the sunlight.
Ryu tried to dodge, but the eagles were too fast. One after another, they struck him, freezing parts of his body with each hit. Within moments, Ryu was encased in a thick layer of ice, frozen in place.
The battlefield fell silent. Naruto lowered his hands, his breathing heavy. Across the clearing, Tsunade stepped forward, her expression neutral but her tone carrying authority.
"So, how did you like the people who will be under your command, Naruto?"
Naruto blinked, confused.
"What?"
Tsunade crossed her arms.
"The five ANBU you fought today—Sanshoo, Taka, Sakana, Karasu, and Ryu—will be your subordinates from now on. And as of this moment, you are promoted to jōnin in the presence of all the clan heads and enrolled in the ANBU. You have no grounds to deny it."
Naruto sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow. He glanced at the frozen form of Ryu, then at Tsunade.
"Fine," he said, his tone resigned but not displeased.e to the office after breakfast. There are still some matters we need to discuss."
Naruto nodded, the weight of his new responsibilities settling on his shoulders. For now, though, he allowed himself a small moment of satisfaction. He'd passed the test—and earned the respect of his new team in the process.
Sometimes later…
Naruto entered the Hokage's office with a steaming cup of ramen in his hand, casually slurping noodles as though he had all the time in the world. Tsunade sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I told you to eat before coming here, not walk in while eating."
Naruto grinned, rubbing the back of his head.
"Sorry, Baa-chan, but you know how it is. Ramen waits for no one!"
Tsunade shook her head but didn't push further. She glanced at the stack of documents on her desk and decided to get straight to business.
Snapping her fingers, she summoned the five ANBU who had fought Naruto earlier that day. One by one, they entered the room, standing silently in a line behind their captain-to-be.
"Remove your masks and introduce yourselves to your new captain." Tsunade ordered, her tone sharp and commanding.
The first to respond was Karasu. She reached up slowly, removing her mask to reveal a young woman with soft features and deep, sorrowful eyes. However, she remained silent, her lips pressed into a thin line.
When it became clear that Karasu wasn't going to speak, Tsunade stepped in.
"This is Nezuko Kamado. She wasn't always like this. She used to be human, but Orochimaru and one of his subordinates attacked her family in an experiment gone horribly wrong. He was trying to create something we now refer to as 'demons.' Nezuko was the only survivor."
Naruto frowned, his brows furrowed in confusion.
"Demons? Why would Orochimaru want to make something like that? And why her? Couldn't he have experimented on someone else?"
Tsunade exhaled deeply.
"It was part of his pursuit of immortality. He succeeded in creating an immortal being—something that could turn others into creatures like itself and control them. But there was a flaw. Demons couldn't survive sunlight; exposure to it would burn them to ash. That's where Nezuko comes in."
Naruto's confusion only deepened.
"But she fought me earlier—under the sunlight. How's that possible?"
"That's exactly why her family was targeted. Orochimaru wanted to create a demon immune to sunlight, and with Nezuko, he succeeded. However, we couldn't let her fall into his hands. Fortunately, a friend of mine, Tamayo, who was also transformed into a demon, has been working on a cure to restore demons to their human state. She was saved from Orochimaru by a swordsman named Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who also trained her to use the powers she gained as a demon. Unfortunately, she lost her ability to speak in the process."
Naruto turned to Nezuko, his heart sinking at the thought of everything she had endured. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and pulled her into a gentle hug.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure Orochimaru pays for what he did to you and your family."
Nezuko froze for a moment, her wide eyes brimming with tears. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around Naruto, crying silently as she saw the image of her late brother reflected in his comforting presence.
Naruto smiled warmly, wiping away her tears.
"That's better. You're a strong girl, Nezuko. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
Tsunade allowed the moment to pass before clapping her hands lightly.
"Let's move on. Next, we have Taka and Sanshoo."
The two ANBU stepped forward, removing their masks simultaneously. One was a freckled young man with a confident grin, while the other was a blonde with a prominent burn scar across his face. The freckled one spoke first.
"My name is Portgas D. Ace. I've got a question for you, Captain. How are you able to use darkness-based techniques? Do you know someone named Marshal D. Teach?"
Naruto frowned and turned to Tsunade for clarification. Before she could respond, the blonde man interjected.
"My name is Portgas D. Sabo. Marshal D. Teach was a nuke-nin from Konoha. He used to be in our ANBU squad until he betrayed us. He killed our adopted father and ANBU captain, Edward Newgate."
Sabo pulled out a worn photograph from his pouch, handing it to Naruto. It was an old image of a towering man with a kind smile surrounded by Ace, Sabo, and a group of other individuals. He then pointed out Teach.
"We've been tracking Teach ever you ever come across him, let us know. We'll settle this ourselves."
Naruto studied the photograph for a moment before handing it back.
"I haven't seen him, but I'll keep an eye out. When the time comes, I'll help you take him down."
Ace and Sabo exchanged a look before bowing their heads respectfully.
"Thank you, Captain."
The next ANBU to step forward was a muscular man with a boisterous laugh. He ruffled Ace and Sabo's hair affectionately before introducing himself.
"I'm Kozuki Oden. You could say I'm their uncle. I was part of the same squad as Edward Newgate back in the day. Unfortunately, I couldn't stop Teach from killing him. I'm after someone too—Kaido. He's taken over my kingdom, the Land of Samurai, Wano. My family and I escaped to Tetsu no Kuni, but I've been biding my time here in Konoha. My wife, Toki, and our children, Momonosuke and Hiyori, are here with me. I'll introduce you to them someday."
Ace and Sabo's expressions brightened at the mention of their extended family, and Naruto couldn't help but smile. Despite everything, they still had a strong bond to hold onto.
The final ANBU stepped forward, his mask revealing a pink-haired man with a wild grin.
"I'm Natsu Dragneel. I'm searching for someone too—the one who raised me. He's a dragon, believe it or not. He found me when I was a kid and taught me everything I know."
Naruto tilted his head in confusion.
"A dragon? You mean like a summon animal?"
"Not exactly. But close enough!"
Naruto wasn't entirely sure what to make of Natsu's story, but he decided to let it slide for now.
"Well, I guess it's my turn. I'm Uzumaki Naruto. I love ramen and hate the three minutes it takes to cook. Like most of you, I'm after someone too—an Uchiha responsible for the Nine-Tails attack on Konoha. I believe he's connected to the Akatsuki."
Tsunade's eyes widened in shock.
"How do you know that?"
Naruto smiled knowingly.
"Kurama told me."
"Who's Kurama?" Tsunade asked, her confusion deepening.
Naruto sighed.
"Kurama is the name of the Nine-Tails. We've talked and connected. He didn't attack Konoha willingly; he was controlled. The only thing he did willingly was kill my parents, but I can't blame him. If I were in his position, I'd have done the same to avoid being imprisoned again after being split in half."
The room fell silent, tension thick in the air. Naruto knew there was only one way to prove he was telling the truth.
Biting his finger, he slammed his hand onto the floor, summoning a puff of smoke. From it emerged Enma, who spoke on Naruto's behalf, vouching for his connection with Kurama.
Tsunade sighed heavily.
"Very well. This isn't the time to discuss this further. We'll revisit it later. For now, let me introduce the remaining members of your squad."
The door opened, and three more individuals entered: Karin, Jūgo, and Guren.
"These two are dangerous. Be cautious around them."
Naruto turned to his new team, his eyes sweeping over each member. Despite their diverse backgrounds and troubled pasts, he saw potential in all of them.
Tsunade clapped her hands again, signaling the end of the briefing.
"Take some time to get to know each other. Tomorrow, I'll have a mission for you."
Naruto nodded, already thinking about the challenges ahead. For now, though, he decided to focus on forging bonds with his new squad. After all, they were his responsibility now—and he didn't intend to let any of them down.
Next Day…
Naruto stood at the designated meeting point, scanning his team. All of them were present, each clad in ANBU attire and wearing their masks. The sight filled him with a mix of pride and determination—he was now responsible for leading this eclectic group.
"Is everyone here?"
The team nodded silently, their masked faces betraying no emotion. Naruto noted their unique masks and code names, assigned earlier that day.
Naruto himself wore a fox-themed ANBU mask, the code name "Kitsune" etched into his official records. It felt appropriate, given his connection to Kurama. His orange-tinted armor subtly reflected his vibrant personality beneath the professional exterior.
Karin, sharp and confident as always, wore a snake mask and went by the code name "Hebi." The snake's elegant, dangerous nature matched her personality, and Naruto couldn't help but think it suited her well.
Jūgo, calm and composed but with an unmistakable undercurrent of intensity, wore a sparrow mask. His code name, "Suzume," reflected the balance he tried to maintain between his gentle side and the curse mark that could unleash his rage.
Guren, always a bit aloof but undeniably skilled, wore a crab mask. Her code name, "Kani," was a nod to her unyielding nature and tenacity. She was someone who refused to let go once she set her sights on something.
Then there was Oden, everyone acknowledged his role as the team's vice-captain. His vast experience and natural leadership skills made him an invaluable asset to the team. And also the rest of them.
Naruto nodded, satisfied.
"Good. Everyone's here."
Tsunade, standing nearby with a stern expression, handed Naruto a folder.
"This is your mission. You'll be heading to Cactus Village. It's a relatively new settlement, but it's developed a reputation as a place where shinobi from various villages seem to… disappear. Your task is to investigate the cause and, if possible, neutralize the threat."
Naruto opened the folder, his eyes scanning the sparse details inside.
"No photographs?"
Tsunade shook her head.
"None. Every team that's been sent there has failed to report back. We've lost all contact with the village itself. This is a high-risk mission, Naruto, so stay sharp. I've assigned you this squad because I believe in your abilities to handle such a dangerous task."
Naruto's expression grew serious.
"Understood."
He looked at his team, holding up the folder for them to see.
"No photos, no clear intel. We're walking in blind. Everyone, stay on guard."
The squad nodded in unison, their body language reflecting their readiness for the task ahead.
"Let's move," Naruto said, tucking the folder into his pouch.
The group set off at a brisk pace, moving through Konoha's gates and into the open countryside. The journey to Cactus Village was expected to take at least a day, but Naruto intended to make the most of the time to assess his team's dynamic.
As they traveled, he glanced back at Oden, who was keeping pace beside him.
"Sakana, since you're the vice-captain, I'll need your input on strategy once we gather more intel. You've got more experience than the rest of us combined."
Oden grinned beneath his mask, his voice carrying a hint of humor.
"No pressure, huh, Captain? Don't worry. I'll make sure you don't regret putting me in this position."
Naruto chuckled, but his attention quickly shifted to the rest of the team. Hebi, what's the range of your sensory abilities right now?"
"Roughly five kilometers. I'll keep scanning as we move, but if anything comes within range, you'll know immediately."
"Good. Suzume, how's your state of mind?"
Naruto asked Jūgo, knowing the curse mark's influence could sometimes be unpredictable.
Jūgo looked up, his voice soft but firm.
"I'm fine for now. If I feel the mark activating, I'll let you know immediately."
Naruto nodded, appreciating the transparency.
"Kani, any thoughts on what we might be walking into?"
Guren's voice carried a hint of amusement.
"Hard to say without intel, but I'd wager it's nothing good. If it were simple bandits or rogue ninjas, they wouldn't have sent us."
Naruto smirked.
"Exactly. Stay sharp, everyone."
As they moved deeper into the wilderness, the environment began to shift. The once lush forests gave way to barren landscapes. The air grew dry and heavy, a stark contrast to the liveliness of Konoha. This showed that they were about to enter Kaze no Kuni.
Sometimes Later…
"Everyone, stay close. Hebi, keep monitoring the chakra signatures. We'll take a break here."
Naruto instructed, gesturing toward a small clearing in the woods.
The group halted as instructed, each remaining vigilant despite the respite. Naruto had realized that, even though they were ANBU, they couldn't function effectively without rest and food. This mission demanded both mental and physical endurance.
As the team began settling in, Karin suddenly stiffened.
"Captain, someone's approaching."
Immediately, the team snapped into action, forming a defensive stance as they prepared for a potential confrontation. A few moments later, a man stepped into view.
The stranger had a peculiar appearance, sporting white hair with yellow flower petal-like appendages streaked with purple near the base. His head was bald on top, but his beard split into two thick parts, giving him an air of distinction. Despite his aged features, his stocky, muscular build hinted at great strength.
Naruto tightened his grip on his kunai, but before he could speak, Oden stepped forward, his voice filled with delight.
"Crocus! Brother, how are you?"
To the team's surprise, Oden embraced the stranger warmly, his mask momentarily forgotten. After a moment, Oden turned to the group, gesturing toward the man.
"Everyone, this is Crocus. He's the one who helped me settle in Konoha when I arrived. Not only is he a trusted friend, but he's also a great medical ninja."
Crocus gave the team a nod, his sharp eyes sweeping over them with a mix of curiosity and approval.
"You're Oden's team, I take it? You all look like you could use a proper meal."
Naruto relaxed his stance but kept his guard up.
"We were just stopping for a quick break."
"Well, no need to eat rations in the woods when my home is nearby. Follow me. Food's on me."
Naruto glanced at Oden, who gave him a reassuring nod. After a brief moment of consideration, Naruto made his decision.
"Alright, but we stay alert. Everyone, let's move."
The team followed Crocus through a narrow path winding deeper into the woods, their unease gradually giving way to curiosity as they wondered what lay ahead.
Somewhere Far Away…
"It seems our hunch was right. That old man is providing the Konoha ANBU team with food."
A man was perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking Crocus's house. He wore a small crown on his head and had a tattoo of the number nine under each eye. Holding a pair of binoculars, he watched Naruto's team closely. This was Mr. 9, a mysterious figure with questionable motives.
"If that's the case, he must have a lot of supplies."
With him was his partner, a blue-haired woman wielding a bazooka. She was known as Miss Wednesday, and her sharp gaze matched her dangerous demeanor.
Mr. 9 lowered the binoculars and nodded.
"Yes. We'll need to get rid of that old man and take all the food back to the village. Supplies like that would be invaluable for us."
Miss Wednesday smirked and hefted the bazooka onto her shoulder.
"Agreed. Let's move in before they notice—"
Before she could finish her sentence, a sudden force struck both her and Mr. 9, slamming their heads into the ground. The impact rendered them unconscious before they even knew what had happened.
Emerging from the shadows, Naruto dusted off his hands with a smirk.
"Man, these two were really far out of Karin's sensory range—but not mine."
He hoisted their limp bodies onto his shoulders and carried them back toward Crocus's house.
When Naruto arrived at the clearing, he unceremoniously dropped the pair in front of his team and Crocus. The old man sighed deeply, his expression weary as he looked at the unconscious duo.
"Let me guess, you know these two."
Crocus nodded, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"Yes. They're from a nearby village. They've been here before, usually to cause trouble. Their village isn't exactly... peaceful. I assume that's where you're headed, correct?"
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"You think we should use them to lead us there?"
"It's not a bad idea. They know the area well, and if you keep them under control, they might make your journey easier."
Naruto considered this for a moment before nodding.
"Alright. Let's wake them up."
After quickly finishing their meal, the team focused on reviving Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday. Once they stirred awake, Oden squatted down in front of them, his piercing gaze locking onto theirs.
"There's something sinister about your face. What are your names?"
Feeling the weight of Oden's killer intent, the two captives began to sweat nervously.
"Mr. 9," the man stammered.
"Miss Wednesday," the woman added quickly.
Hearing those names, Guren's eyes widened. She stepped forward and crouched beside Oden, studying the pair carefully.
"Those names sound... familiar. I feel like I've heard something similar before."
She frowned, trying to recall, but ultimately shook her head.
"Never mind. Let's move on."
Oden's gaze didn't waver.
"Stand up. You're going to guide us to your village."
Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday exchanged hesitant glances, clearly weighing their options. But when Nezuko and Oden reached for the hilts of their katanas, the two captives quickly realized they had no choice.
"Fine," Mr. 9 muttered, his tone begrudging.
Miss Wednesday nodded reluctantly.
"Very well. We'll guide you."
Naruto stood back, watching the exchange with a smirk.
"Good. Lead the way, but don't even think about trying anything funny. We'll know."
Sometimes Later…
"It's a village. I can see giant cacti. That must be the Cactus Village."
Naruto and his team stopped on a nearby hill, gazing down at the peculiar sight before them. The village was framed by two enormous cacti towering like natural guardians at its entrance.
Miss Wednesday and Mr. 9, standing slightly ahead of the group, exchanged a subtle glance before grinning.
"Bye-bye, baby!"
Mr. 9 shouted as he dropped a smoke bomb at their feet, shrouding them in thick gray mist.
When the smoke cleared, the two were gone. Karin immediately focused on their chakra signatures and prepared to act, but Naruto raised his hand, signaling her to stop.
"Let them go. We're already here. They've served their purpose. Remember, we're here to investigate, not attack."
Karin hesitated but nodded, lowering her hands. The rest of the team silently agreed, standing down.
Naruto turned to address them all.
"Now listen up. Those two will likely warn the others about us, which means we'll need to blend in. Take off your ANBU gear. From this point on, we're just travelers."
Without hesitation, the team began removing their masks and cloaks, preparing to go undercover. But before they could ask about their next steps, Naruto extended his palm toward them, a faint glow of energy gathering in his hand.
"Henshin Mahō: Taju Henkan."
The team was momentarily bathed in a soft green light as Naruto's transformation technique took effect. Each of them felt their appearances shifting, their features changing into entirely new faces and forms.
"What is this?" Oden asked, looking at his reflection in the blade of his katana.
"This technique draws energy from nature. It's an advanced transformation jutsu that won't wear off until you want it to. Think of it as an extra precaution to ensure we don't stand out."
Everyone nodded, impressed by the technique and understanding its utility. Once they were ready, the group began making their way toward the village gates.
As they approached, they prepared themselves for resistance. They mentally braced for the possibility of an ambush, expecting a line of ninja ready to intercept them.
But what awaited them was far from what they imagined.
A large crowd of villagers stood at the gates, waving brightly colored banners. The largest banner of all hung over the entrance, boldly declaring:
"WELCOME TO THE CACTUS VILLAGE!"
Naruto and his team froze, their cautious minds struggling to process the scene before them. Instead of hostility, they were greeted with smiles, cheers, and warmth. Children ran around carrying flowers, while villagers waved enthusiastically.
"This is... unexpected," Guren murmured, narrowing her eyes as if trying to find some hidden threat among the crowd.
Oden crossed his arms, his brows furrowed.
"Something feels off. This kind of welcome is unusual, especially for a place rumored to be so dangerous."
Naruto nodded in agreement, keeping his guard up as he stepped forward to address the villagers. A tall man with a small red nose and blond hair in a style that resembles a powdered Wig stepped out from the crowd, smiling broadly.
"Welcome, travelers! We're so glad to have you here. It's not every day we get visitors from outside the desert."
Naruto returned the bow, his voice calm and polite.
"Thank you for the warm welcome. We've heard a lot about your village and wanted to see it for ourselves."
The man chuckled.
"Of course! My name is Igarappoi, and I'm the village elder. Please, come in and make yourselves at home. We insist you join us for a feast tonight—we love celebrating when we have guests."
The team exchanged uncertain glances, but Naruto gave a subtle nod.
"We'd be honored." he said, stepping forward to follow the villagers inside.
As they entered the village, Naruto quietly observed everything around him. The streets were bustling with life, vendors selling goods, and families enjoying the warm desert sun. It seemed like a thriving, peaceful place on the surface, but something in Naruto's gut told him to stay alert.
Karin leaned closer to Naruto.
"I don't sense any immediate hostility, but there's something... strange about their chakra patterns. It's almost too calm."
Naruto nodded.
"Stay sharp. This might be a façade."
The group was led to a large open square where a massive feast was being prepared. Tables overflowed with food, and musicians played lively tunes. Villagers laughed and danced, creating an atmosphere of celebration.
Despite the cheerful scene, Naruto couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. His senses were heightened, and he discreetly scanned the area, noting several villagers who seemed a little too interested in his team.
As the feast began, Naruto and his team played along, engaging in conversation and eating the offered food. Oden regaled the villagers with tales of his travels, earning laughs and applause. Meanwhile, Karin kept a close eye on their surroundings, her sharp instincts ready to catch anything unusual.
Naruto leaned over to Karin.
"Keep tracking their chakra. Let me know if anything changes."
Karin gave a small nod and closed her eyes briefly, focusing on her sensory abilities.
As the night wore on, the team maintained their friendly façade while staying vigilant. Naruto knew that the welcoming atmosphere was only the surface of the village's true nature. The mission had just begun, and the real danger was still lurking, hidden beneath the smiles and laughter.
IF YOU DON'T GET IT, THEN THE FILLERS WILL BE THE CANNON OF OTHER ANIME WHOSE CHARACTERS I HAVE BORROWED. I AM GOING TO BE USING THEM IN A UNIQUE STYLE HERE AND CHANGE THE POWER LEVEL SO DON'T WORRY.
